Just Ask Terry

I developed a superficial blood clot in my leg due to severe varicose veins during pregnancy.

Q. Dear Terry, “I developed a superficial blood clot in my leg due to severe varicose veins during pregnancy. While my doctor has said they are not highly dangerous, they can be very painful. Do you have any suggestions that can naturally support this condition?” — Kris S., Lexington, KY

A. Dear Kris, I do have some options that I believe can make a difference. However, I strongly encourage you to discuss the use of dietary supplementation with your physician, as they may have additional input regarding a supplement regimen.

You should consider taking mesoglycan, a naturally occurring substance found in the body. Mesoglycan is an excellent source of glycosaminoglycans (also known as GAGs) – vital and necessary components that build the walls of our blood vessels and arteries. Aside from helping build the structure of blood vessels and arteries, mesoglycan also shows fibrinolytic activity. That is, it inhibits the effects of fibrinogen—a marker of inflammation and a precursor to fibrin and abnormal blood-clots. I think it is important to note that while mesoglycan helps prevent abnormal blood clots, it does not “thin” the blood. Mesoglycan also appears to improve the fluid properties of red blood cells. This may be due to changes in red cell membrane permeability and cell surface electric charges, or other interactions between the glycan and red membranes. Researchers are still investigating this aspect of mesoglycan and healthy blood flow. I recommend taking 50 mg of mesoglycan twice daily.

You may also want to consider adding grape seed extract to your daily regimen. Next to curcumin, grape seed extract is one of the most powerful nutrients I have found. I would recommend that you take 400 mg of grape seed extract three times daily. When looking for a grape seed extract, it is important to choose one that is standardized to contain only OPCs that are small enough to be absorbed, so you’ll get the maximum benefits. Many extracts contain tannins, which are too large to be effectively absorbed and don’t contribute to your health the same way that OPCs do. However, these tannins are counted as OPCs and enhance the label claim, even though they cannot be absorbed! Tannin-free is best.